Last Updated on July 15, 2022
When did GM stop using Dex-Cool? This article discusses the problems with Dex-Cool, possible alternatives, and cost. It also offers some recommendations. This article also explains how to find the best alternative to Dex-Cool. The article contains helpful information that will help you make an informed decision. Hopefully, this article has been helpful. Good luck!
Problems with Dex-Cool
The use of DEX-COOL in automobiles has been around for a while, but there are a few niggling problems. First, it can sludge up if you mix it with other anti-freezes. Second, it can cause air infiltration, which makes the coolant lose protection. Finally, a poorly designed cylinder head can allow condensation, which can cause aluminum oxide deposits. However, these theories are not universally accepted, and would affect vehicles that use recovery containers.
The coolant in GM-manufactured cars often turns muddy, resulting in expensive cooling system flushes and new radiators and heater cores. In addition to these expensive repairs, using Dex-Cool in your car‚s cooling system can also cause overheating issues. In fact, this cooling system can lead to transmission burnup at 100,000 miles. It‚s important to keep these problems in mind and make sure you‚re using the correct coolant.
GM has released several technical bulletins to dealers on the cooling system problem. Although these technical bulletins are not considered safety issues, the problems with Dex-Cool have led to complaints and a push to file a class action lawsuit against GM over the product. However, the U.S. federal court ruled against class action status, citing the complexity of filing and handling a class action lawsuit.
GM was reluctant to acknowledge the problem until several years later, after a couple of years of research and development. The carmakers eventually figured out the problem and now use closed-loop degas tanks. But some manufacturers still struggle with Dex-Cool. There is no way to be sure, but a few niggling issues remain. In the meantime, it‚s better to change it out every three to five years depending on the climate.
Alternatives
If you‚re looking for a green cooling solution for your car, you‚ve probably heard of Dex-Cool. While it‚s an effective alternative to traditional antifreeze, it‚s not the best choice for every vehicle. Using the wrong coolant can cause corrosion and damages to the cooling system, including the radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, and cylinder gasket. You‚re better off using glycol-based antifreeze instead. But, keep in mind that mixing different types of coolants can dilute the cooling effect of Dex-Cool.
GM used Dex-Cool in their vehicles for decades. Unlike conventional antifreeze, Dex-Cool is phosphate, nitrate, and silicate-free. While it doesn‚t have the same performance as conventional antifreeze, it‚s much better for your car and will last longer. Owner‚s manuals recommend replacing the antifreeze with Dex-Cool every five years or 100,000 miles.
Another alternative to Dex-Cool is the old-style IAT hi-silicate/phosphate “green” ethylene glycol coolant. This stuff is still widely available and manufactured. It‚s the one GM used before the introduction of Dex-Cool. It‚s also prone to air pockets and requires annual flushes. And because of the silicate content, it also causes coolant snot.
In addition to DEX-COOL, you can use a high-quality antifreeze by ACDelco. The orange antifreeze concentrate contains premium long-lasting inhibitors that protect your car against extreme temperatures. It‚s designed to extend the life of your vehicle‚s cooling system while minimizing the risk of rust and corrosion. What‚s more, it‚s the only one that will last for five years and one hundred thousand miles.
Cost
A lawsuit claiming that GM‚s cooling system was faulty is the latest example of a class-action lawsuit. The GM automaker agreed to compensate class members in a settlement of $50 to $850 each for repair costs. Dex-Cool was included in GM vehicles beginning in 1995. However, the cost to GM depends on the number of consumers who file claims. The plaintiffs‚ attorneys estimate that as many as 20 million cars were recalled with the cooling system defect. As a result, the total settlement could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
While GM stands by its cooling system technology, some owners are unhappy with the high cost and skepticism about its use. While GM has defended the brand, the company has been sued by several owners for failure to maintain the system properly. For example, cooling system maintenance requires checking the coolant level at every oil change and flushing the cooling system every two years or 25,000 miles. Those who use dex-cool coolant should check it every two years.
The DEX-COOL is approved by GM for use in cars that have aluminum radiators. It has a patented formula with a concentrated blend of long-lasting inhibitors and provides unsurpassed protection against the ravages of corrosion and temperature extremes. The Prestone Dex-Cool is the best choice for GM vehicles because it offers superior corrosion and rust protection. In addition, it has been certified to meet or exceed the GM 6277M specification, which means that it is GM-approved.
Recommendations
For decades, GM has used a coolant called Dex-Cool in their cars. While not as popular as traditional antifreeze, it does the same job. It‚s orange instead of green and lasts much longer than traditional antifreeze. Most owner‚s manuals recommend changing your dex-cool coolant every five years or 100,000 miles. Nevertheless, there are a few problems with using this type of coolant, and you should avoid it whenever possible.
Dex-Cool is a synthetic coolant manufactured by Texaco. GM started using it in 1995 and 1996 cars. Geo and Saturn were not included until 1997 model years. GM didn‚t have enough data on Dex-Cool leaks at that time, so they delayed their use. It also cost around $10 per gallon to purchase from the dealership, so Dex-Cool can be a very expensive replacement.
The only way to use Dex-Cool is in a car that uses the GM-approved brand of the fluid. Using non-Dex-Cool will cause the coolant to turn into sludge and gel, and this will cause a variety of engine problems. Hence, GM recommends flushing your car at least twice a year.
Although the cooling system of GM vehicles has been linked to these problems, GM stands behind the product. They are committed to resolving the issue and has reached settlement agreements with some owners. It is therefore essential to check your coolant level every time you change the oil, flush the system twice a year, and refill it every 25,000 miles. If your car is still affected by Dexcool, your next step is to replace the cooling system.
Class-action lawsuits
As a result of the Dex-Cool engine coolant recall, several class-action lawsuits have been filed against GM. Plaintiffs allege that the engine coolant caused serious damage to certain components of the vehicle, and rusty sludge and rust-like substance clogged the cooling system. GM has denied all accusations, and said it settled to avoid the expense and time of a class-wide trial.
The California Superior Court has approved the settlement, which covers all 50 states except Missouri. The total cost to GM will depend on how many customers file claims. The settlement could cost between $80 million and $150 million, depending on the number of owners who want to file class-action lawsuits. According to the lawsuit, the dex-cool system deteriorated engines and caused overheating.
The plaintiffs are owners or lessees of GMC vehicles. They allege that Dex-Cool is defective because it is not able to protect engine components that are not in contact with coolant. They claim that Dex-Cool damages the gaskets of the intake manifold, and therefore erodes them. The plaintiffs‚ lawsuits are still ongoing, but if approved, the bankruptcy court is expected to approve a liquidation plan later this year.
As a result of the Dex-Cool coolant, many vehicles are experiencing engine blowouts and other engine damage. Additionally, the use of phosphotes in the cooling system causes sludge to build up, causing the vehicles to overheat. This is not the only problem with Dex-Cool. In addition, the cooling system is more likely to develop rust if mixed with another type of coolant.
About The Author
Alison Sowle is the typical tv guru. With a social media evangelist background, she knows how to get her message out there. However, she's also an introvert at heart and loves nothing more than writing for hours on end. She's a passionate creator who takes great joy in learning about new cultures - especially when it comes to beer!